Ducks' RB Thomas leaves Oregon for NFL

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EUGENE, Ore. -- Oregon’s junior running back De’Anthony Thomas issued a statement Sunday that he will be forgoing his senior season and heading to the NFL.

Thomas stepped onto the Oregon football team in 2011 and immediately dazzled duck fans with his mixture of lightning like speed and quickness. Just as quick as Thomas stepped on the field, his time in an Oregon uniform has officially come to an end.

In a prepared statement, Thomas said, “I am officially withdrawing from the University of Oregon to pursue a professional career in the NFL. I want to express my deepest appreciation and thanks to the university, all of my teammates coaches and fans."

De’Anthony played three seasons with the Ducks, accounting for a little more than 5,300 yards and scoring 46 career touchdowns.

Thomas' best seasons came in 2011 and 2012 when he scored 16 and 17 touchdowns, respectively.

This year an ankle injury hindered his performance, and Thomas missed four games.

Thomas is projected anywhere from a first-round to a third-round pick in mock NFL drafts.